On Monday(8th April), The Supreme Court of India is reviewing petitions challenging the appointment of 68 Gujarat judicial officers, claiming a preference for seniority over merit. Advocate R. Basanth argued that candidates with higher suitability test scores were overlooked. The hearings will continue until April 15, 2024. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud proposed evaluating candidates primarily based on merit.
“Are judges special? No, we are not.”: CJI DY Chandrachud, expressed concern over the declining adherence to the “bail is the rule, and jail is the exception” principle in district courts. He called for an evaluation of this trend, emphasizing the need for the district judiciary to prioritize personal liberty and address infrastructure challenges. Justice Khanna emphasized the societal responsibility of judges.
On 1st March, The Delhi High Court has mandated district judges to submit reports on the functionality of court display boards in response to a PIL filed by Mukul Sharma, highlighting the inconvenience caused by non-functional boards. The court has set a timeline for action, with the next hearing scheduled for April 16, emphasizing the importance of prompt resolution.
The Supreme Court upheld the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s mandate for judicial officer promotions, requiring a minimum 50% interview score. It dismissed challenges to the criterion, affirming the High Court’s autonomy. The ruling emphasizes the importance of merit and competency in judicial appointments, setting a significant precedent for India’s legal system.